Mike Mularkey cancels interview with Broncos

FILE - In this July 28, 2008, file photo, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, left, barks out instructions during NFL football training camp, in Flowery Branch, Ga. The Denver Broncos will interview Mularkey for their vacant head coaching position this week, the team announced via its official Twitter account on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey has canceled his interview with the Denver Broncos, who wanted to talk to him about their head coaching vacancy.

John Elway, the Broncos' new executive vice president of football operations, who is spearheading the search, said via his official Twitter account: "I respect the decision that Mike Mularkey has made to not interview with the Broncos at this time."

Mularkey was set to interview with the Broncos on Friday night. ESPN reported that Mularkey wants to focus on the playoffs but will still interview with the Cleveland Browns on Saturday because they called him first.

The network also said Mularkey would be open to an interview with the Broncos if the job were still open after the Falcons' season is over.